SSI is for people who are aged, blind, or disabled and have very low income and assets

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a federal cash payment program run by the Social Security Administration. You can receive SSI if you meet three conditions at the same time: you are 65 or older, blind, or disabled; your monthly income is below a set limit; and your countable assets total less than $2,000 (or $3,000 if you are married and both spouses receive SSI).

SSI is different from Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). SSDI is based on your work history and contributions to Social Security. SSI is based on financial need, regardless of whether you have ever worked. You can receive both programs at the same time, but they are separate.

The Social Security Administration determines who meets the disability or blindness requirement. The income and asset limits are set by federal law and adjusted each year. As of 2024, the federal payment amount is $943 per month for an individual, though some states add extra money on top of this.

Key Takeaways

  • You must be 65 or older, blind, or disabled; have monthly income below the federal limit (which changes yearly); and own countable assets worth less than $2,000 to receive SSI.
  • Disability for SSI purposes means a condition that prevents you from working and is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death, and the Social Security Administration makes this information.
  • Your home and one vehicle are not counted as assets, but bank accounts, stocks, and second vehicles are, so you may need to spend down savings to become financially may be able to access.
  • SSI recipients must report changes in income, living situation, or household members within 10 days, or they may lose benefits or have to repay overpayments.

Age, Blindness, and Disability Requirements

You can receive SSI if you are 65 or older. There is no upper age limit. You do not need to have worked or paid into Social Security to receive SSI based on age alone.

You can also receive SSI if you are blind. The Social Security Administration defines blindness as central visual acuity of 20/200 or less in your better eye with the best correction possible, or a visual field of 20 degrees or less. You must provide medical evidence from a doctor or eye specialist.

If you are under 65 and not blind, you can receive SSI if you have a disability. The Social Security Administration uses a strict definition: your condition must prevent you from doing substantial work, must have lasted or be expected to last at least 12 months, or must be expected to result in death. Mental illness, back pain, arthritis, and many other conditions can may have access to, but the agency evaluates each case individually based on medical records and your work history.

Income Limits and What Counts as Income

Your monthly income must be below a federal limit to receive SSI. In 2024, the limit is $943 per month for an individual living independently and $1,415 per month for a couple where both receive SSI. These amounts change each January. Some states set their own higher limits and add state supplements to the federal payment.

Not all money counts toward the income limit. The first $65 of monthly earnings from work, plus half of earnings above that, are excluded. The first $20 of any other income per month is excluded. Gifts, loans, and certain in-kind support (like food or shelter provided by someone else) may or may not count depending on the circumstances. Food stamps, housing vouchers, and some other benefits do not count as income.

If you receive SSDI, that payment counts as income for SSI purposes. If your SSDI payment is higher than the SSI limit, you cannot receive SSI. If your SSDI payment is lower, SSI may make up the difference, though this varies by state.

Asset Limits and What Counts as Assets

You can own countable assets worth no more than $2,000 if you are single, or $3,000 if you are married and both spouses receive SSI. Assets are things you own that have cash value: bank accounts, savings accounts, stocks, bonds, and vehicles beyond one.

Your primary home does not count as an asset, no matter its value. One vehicle does not count. Household goods and personal items do not count. Burial plots and up to $1,500 set aside for burial expenses do not count. A vehicle used for work does not count.

If you own a second car, a boat, or rental property, those count as assets. If you have money in a bank account, that counts. If someone gives you a lump sum—an inheritance, a lawsuit settlement, or a tax refund—that counts as an asset and may push you over the limit. You may need to spend down assets on allowed expenses (rent, medical care, food) or transfer them to a family member before you can receive SSI.

How Disability Is Determined

The Social Security Administration does not automatically accept a doctor's diagnosis. The agency has its own medical consultants who review your medical records, test results, and work history. They look at whether your condition prevents you from doing any kind of work, not just your previous job.

You will need medical evidence: doctor's reports, hospital records, test results, mental health evaluations, or specialist assessments. If you do not have recent medical records, the Social Security Administration may schedule you for a consultative exam at no cost to you, performed by a doctor or psychologist they choose.

The process typically takes three to six months from the time you submit your application. If you are denied, you can request reconsideration, then a hearing before an administrative law judge. Many people are denied on the first application and approved on appeal.

Reporting Requirements and Changes

Once you receive SSI, you must report certain changes within 10 days. These include: a change in your address or living situation; a change in your income or work status; a change in your household (someone moving in or out); receipt of a lump sum like an inheritance or tax refund; a change in your marital status; or a change in your citizenship status.

If you do not report a change and the Social Security Administration discovers it, you may lose benefits or be asked to repay money you received while ineligible. The agency calls this an overpayment. You can request a waiver of the overpayment if you did not cause the error and repaying it would cause hardship, but you must ask in writing.

You should also report if your medical condition improves or if you start working. Working does not automatically disqualify you—the work incentive rules allow you to keep some earnings—but you must report it so the agency can calculate your payment correctly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I receive SSI if I am not a U.S. citizen?

It depends on your immigration status. U.S. citizens and certain may have access to immigrants can receive SSI. may have access to immigrants include lawful permanent residents, refugees, asylees, and some other categories. Undocumented immigrants cannot receive SSI. You will need to provide proof of your immigration status when you apply.

If I work, will I lose my SSI?

Not automatically. The first $65 of your monthly earnings, plus half of earnings above that, do not count as income. If you earn $200 per month, only $100 counts toward your income limit. However, your SSI payment will be reduced as your earnings increase. Work incentive programs also allow you to set aside money for a work goal without losing benefits.

What if I live with my parents or someone else pays for my food and housing?

If someone else provides your food or shelter, the Social Security Administration counts part of that as income to you. The amount varies, but it typically reduces your SSI payment. If you live in someone else's household and they pay for your food and housing, you may receive a reduced SSI payment rather than the full amount.

How do I start the process of receiving SSI?

You can apply online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at your local Social Security office. You will need to provide proof of age, citizenship or immigration status, income, assets, and medical evidence if you are applying based on disability or blindness. The application itself is free.

Can I receive SSI while I am waiting for a decision on my SSDI case?

Yes. If you meet the income and asset limits, you can receive SSI while your SSDI application is being reviewed. If you are later approved for SSDI, your SSI may stop or be reduced depending on the SSDI payment amount. Some of the money you received as SSI may be counted as an overpayment and deducted from your back pay.